This talk will introduce a new series of webinars co-organized by the Smithsonian’s Asian Cultural History Program and NTU’s Program in Museum Studies & Curatorial Practices, that will begin in 2021. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 19 museums and the National Zoo. Dr. Taylor will introduce the history, mission, and current structure of the Smithsonian, founded in 1846 with funds from the Englishman James Smithson (1765–1829) according to his wishes “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” With special emphasis on the Smithsonian’s resources for the study of Southeast Asia, and its history of past partnerships and activities in that region, this talk examines collections resulting from donations, great scientific expeditions such as those of W.L. Abbott (1860-1936), and the Institution’s role as repository for foreign government gifts, including the renowned collection of magnificent Thai royal gifts to America. All these suggest directions for future partnerships especially pertinent to cultural heritage organizations in Singapore.

About the Speaker

Paul Michael Taylor, a research anthropologist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, is director of the museum’s Asian Cultural History Program, and serves as Curator of Asian, European, and Middle Eastern Ethnology. He is the author of numerous books, scholarly articles, and online works about the ethnobiology, ethnography, art and material culture of Asia, and about the history of museums and anthropology. He is the curator of twenty-one museum exhibitions (including five online virtual exhibitions) and anthropologist consultant for ethnographic films. A broad selection of his publications can be found at: https://si.academia.edu/PaulMichaelTaylor